With version 5.7 of the open source slicing software Cura, 3D printer manufacturer UltiMaker has significantly expanded the integration into the company’s own 3D model platform Thingiverse. The update also brings new material profiles and powerful project files with transferable print settings.
The most important new feature is the direct opening option for 3D models from Thingiverse. STL, 3MF and OBJ files can be loaded into Cura with a single click via an “Open in Cura” button – without having to download the files. By acquiring MakerBot, Ultimaker wanted to bring the two platforms closer together. Direct model opening is a first step in this direction.
Cura 5.7 introduces so-called Universal Cura Projects (UCP). These are 3MF files with a fixed set of around 40 settings such as support material, filling density or adhesion. UCPs enable the sharing of models including optimized printing parameters – regardless of the 3D printer used. When a UCP file is opened, Cura displays the settings it contains and applies them if desired.
The Method series from Ultimaker also benefits. As of Cura 5.7, their printers can be integrated into the Ultimaker Digital Factory Cloud and controlled from there. Other improvements include the new ASA, Nylon12-CF and SR-30 material profiles for the Method XL, faster slicing times and the option to send failure reports. The latter is intended to facilitate error analysis.
With the current release, Ultimaker aims to interlink its two platforms Cura and Thingiverse more efficiently in future.
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